Statistics show that approximately 160,000 students in the United States refuse to go to school because they fear physical and verbal abuse by their classmates. Countless others go to school in a depressed, anxious state because of that same fear. Another statistic reports that six out of 10 witness bullying at least one a day. There are several solutions to bullying that range from awareness programs to punishment for those bullying. Research shows that an episode of bullying will cease in less than 10 seconds if someone else, like a peer, steps in and befriends those being bullied.

The Schafer Law Office would like to recognize and reward these champions. We have created the Buddies Not Bullies Award to be given twice a month to any student, elementary, middle or high school in Jefferson County, who has or is consistently making a difference through acts of kindness, tolerance and respect for others. Each weekly winner, beginning September 10, 2012 with the first award to be given on September 14, 2012, will receive movie passes for two and popcorn/snack vouchers. The program will last through the school year, ending with the last award given the week of May 6, 2013. At year's end, The Schafer Law Office will hold a banquet for all the weekly winners where a grand prize winner will be drawn at random and given a grand prize.

Any person, parent, teacher, peer or coach, may nominate a child for this recognition. Click here, Buddies Not Bullies Nomination form, to find the form to submit.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, determined citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist.

Michael A. Schafer and The Schafer Law Office represents clients and accident victims throughout Kentucky including Louisville, Lexington, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Carrolton, Bardstown, Munfordville, New Castle, Richmond, Bowling Green, St. Matthews, Prospect, Shively, Fairdale, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Valley Station and Pleasure Ridge Park. Cases are also handled in Jefferson County, Bullitt County, Oldham County, Shelby County, Hardin County, Spencer County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Carrol County, Henry County, Madison County, Nelson County, Anderson County, Trimble County, Larue County, Hart County and Meade County, Kentucky.